Transporting apparatus for mines.



A. E. DAVIS. `IRABTSPORTIIITG APPARATUS FOR MINES.

` Y AIFLIOATION FILED SEPT. 30, 1907. 918,661.. -g 'l Patented. Api. 2051909;

A. E; DAVIS. l TRANSPORTING APPARATUS FOB MINES. APPLIO'AT-ION 'IILED SEPT. 30, l1'80'1.

Patented Apr. 2o, 1909.

THE NoRRIs PETERS ca. ivAsHmczoN, n. c,

A. RDAVIS.r l TRANSPORTING APPARATUS PoR MINES;

, APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 30,1907.

Patented Apr. 2o, 1909.,

a sums-SHEET 3.

THE NoRms PETERS cn., vmsnmaron. n. c.

A. E. DAVIS. Y 'IANSPORTING APPARATUS FOR MINES.

APPLIUATION FILED s'nrunrao, 1907.

Patented Apr. 1909.

s SHEETS-SHEET 4L A. E. DAVIS. TEANSPORTING APPARATUS FOR MINES.

APPLIGATION PIII-BD SEPT. 30, 1907.

Pat/entail Apr. .20, 1909.

A s sums-SHEET 5.

Al .Ey TBNSPORTING' .APPARATUS FOR MINES- r APPLIOATION'FIIILED SEPT. 30, 1907.

Patented' Apr. 2o, 1909.

" SHEETS-SHEET s.

1H: MORRIS PETER! Cn. WASHINUM. D, nl

` AJR. DAVIS.) i TRANSPOBTING lA'PILAEATUSTOB. MINES.

Paten'ta Apr. 2o, y1909.

APPLIUATION FILED SEPTkSO, 1907.

8 SHEETS-SHEET '1- rHE Nomals PETERS co., wnsmNaroN, s, c.

TRANSPORTING' APPARATUS FOR MINES. .PIIPLITION FILED SEPT. 30, 1907.

Patented Apr. 2o, 1909.

sums-SHEET va.

THE NoRms PETERS cn., wAsHlNarroN. D. c.

Nrn srnrns 4'ina@Enr FFIQE.

ALFRED EDWIN DAVIS, OF .IOHANNESBURG, TRANSVAAL, ASSIGNOR OF THREE-FIFTHS TO RICHARD MEYER, OF JOHANNESBURG, TRANSVAAL, FRANCIS HASTINGS MEDHURST,

OF WESTMINSTER CHAMBERS, LONDON,

JOHANNESBURG, TRANSVAAL.

ENGLAND, AND JOHN EDGAR FERRAR, OF

YSpeccation of Letters Patent.

Patented April 20, 1909.

Application filed September 30, 1907. SeraI No. 395,198.

T 0 all 'whom it may concern.' Y

Be it known that I, ALFRED EDWIN DAVIS, a subject of the King of Great Britain, and resident of Johannesburg, Transvaal, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Trans orting Apparatusfor Mines, of which the folowing is a specification.

This invention consists of improvements in and relating to transporting apparatus for mines.

The object of the invention is to provide efficient means for transporting broken ore or mineral in mines, both in the ,stopes, levels and crosscuts, rises and winzes, or from any portion of a mine where the rock or mineral is being mined to any other portion of a mine.

The invention consists in certain features in the construction of the trucks, cars or vehicles, and the rails traversed by such vehicles, as hereinafter fully described. The rails are of such construction that they can be moved expeditiously fromtimeto time so as to keep the rail or track at an approximately uniform distance from the broken coal, rock or mineral, or the working face, and so allow the vehicles to be run parallelto such face loaded direct in the stope, and thence allowed to gravitate down the stope to the drive and if desired, to the shaft.

It is requisite in a transporting` apparatus of the nature specified that the trucks, empty or full, shall be able to run freely in either stopes, drives or shaft, or on the surface; that they shall be capable or running freely in the narrowest of stopes and of being loaded in such stopes; that when loaded they shall be capable of ascending and descending Vthe steepest of gradients without spilling the contents; that they shall be capable of negotiating sharp points, bends or curves in the rails, both horizontal and vertical; that they shall be incapable of capsizing or derailing in both stopes and drives; that they shall be capable of carrying loads of half a ton or more; and thatk they shall be of such a shape as to allow the trucks or vehicles to pass one another freely in drives of ordinary dimensions and thereby to obviate delays in trama ming or transportation of the rock or mineral in long levels. Suitable means must also be provided for easily and quickly discharging the loaded trucks. It is further requisite that therails constituting the track traversed by the vehicles shall be light, strong, easily handled, capable of being moved easily and expeditiously from lace to place; that there shall be freedom from loose parts which might be lost or mislaid; that they shall be stir vertically sov as to carry the necessary load with as few sleepers as possible; that they shall be flexible at the supporting joints; that they .shall always be maintained truly vertical and also allow one length of rail to swing up and down and sidewise relative to the next one so as to follow the ine ualities or undulations of an uneven floor an that if necessary they shall be capable of being bent to any sharp curves without permanent set.

To facilitate the detailed description of my invention I append drawings illustrative thereof, in which- Figure 1 is a side elevation partly in section of one of the trucks, cars or vehicles, on the rail. Fig. 2 is a transverse section of Fig. lon line x-x. Fig. 3 is a plan of Fig. 1 with one of the dish sha ed bearing pieces removed and showing t e wheeled bogie in plan. Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the wheeled bogie with the dish shaped bearing piece in section. Fig. 5 is a section of Fig. 4 on line y-fy. Fig. 6 is a plan of Fig. 4 look` ing from below. Fig. 7 is a side elevation of the wheeled bogie in position on the rail, illustrating the provision of a guide strip on the saddle of the bogie. Fig. 8 is an end elevation of Fig. 7 with one of the wheels ofthe bogie removed. Fig. 9 is an end view of the truck in the tippler. Fig. 10 is an end view of the truck on a pivoted or swinging rail, being an alternative arrangement to Fig. 9.

y Fig. 11 is a plan of one end of the truck illustrating it equipped with buffer and drawbar. Fig. 12 is a plan of a portion of the truck showing a modification in the arrangement of the buer and drawbar. Fig. 13 is an end elevation of Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a side elevation of the rail and one form of joint, showing part of the side plate of the rail removed. Fig. 15 is a section of Fig. 14 on line x1-x1- Fig. 16 is a section of Fig. 14 on line lyl--g/l. Fig. 17 is a longitudinal elevation of the sleeper illustrating a means of supporting the rail and fixing it vertically thereon, the rail being shown in section. Fig. 18 is an end elevation of Fig. 17 with the rail removed. Fig. 19 is a side elevation illustrating a hinge joint between two lengths of the rail and showing part of the side plate removed and the sleeper in position. Fig. 20 is a section of Fig. 19 on line 2 2. Fig. 2l is an end elevation of the sleeper showing a means of adjusting the horns which lcarry he rail. Fig. 22 is a side elevation of Fig. 21. Fig. 23 is an elevation, partly in section, illustrating means for boltinO' two consecutive lengths of rail to the horn on the sleeper. Fig. 24 is an end elevation of Fig. 23. Fig. 25 is a view similar to Fig. 28 illustrating a modification. Fig. 26 is an end elevation of Fig. 25. Fig. 27 is la view similar to Fig. 25 illustrating further modification. Fig. 2S is an end elevation of Fig. 27. Fig. 29 is a plan of a curved iish plate. Fig. 30 is an elevation of Fig. 29. Fig. 31 is a longitudinal elevation of a sleeper illustrating means for adjusting the position of the horn carrying the rail, vin relation to the sleeper, also illustrating an end Velevation of a slightly modified form of truck, the latter with the wheels and bogie removed. Fig. 32 is a plan of the sleeper and adjustable horn illustrated in Fig. A31. Fig. 33 is an end elevation of Fig. 32. Fig. 34 is a longitudinal elevation of the truck illustrated in Fig. 31. Fig. 35 is a plan of Fig. 3d. Fig. 36 is a side elevation of a portion of the truck illustrated in connection with Fig. 3l, showing means for automatically releasing the hinged sides to discharge the truck. Fig. 37 is a transverse section of a portion of Fig. 86. Fig. 38 is an end elevation of a portion of the truck illustrated in Fig. 36. Fig. 39 is a side elevation of the rail illustrating a switch and other details. Fig. 40 is a plan of Fig. 39, and Fig. il is a ldiagrammatic representation of a stope and drive or lever, showing the invention installed in the stope.

In Figs. 1, 2 and 3, I illustrate one form of the truck, car or vehicle, and show it in running position on the rail. rShe truck coinprises a long narrow and shallow trough shaped body 1, which may be of steel or other suitable metal, the ends of which are closed by means of the end plates 2, riveted or otherwise suitably fixed to the body. lnterinediate of the end plates 2 the body 1 is fitted with suitable number of transverse plates 8 (it is shown provided with three) riveted or otherwise iixed to the body ann dividing it into a plurality of compartments. These transverse partitions or division plates 3 serve to prevent the spilling of the ore or mineral by preventing it sliding or moving down the body when the latter is inclined at steep angles; they also act as stiflening pieces for the body.

lt will be apparent that the body 1 of the truck instead of being made of semi-circular and 11 to 13, may be made of rectangulaicross section, or it may be constructed of substantially W transverse section as illustrated in Figs. 31, 34 and 3:3, or of any other desired and suitable shape.

The body 1 is mounted upon two swivel or bogie carriages which latterl arc shown drawn to an enlarged scale in Figs. l to (l. These bogie carriages run on the. rail or tracl\v 4l, the features in the construction of which are hereinafter particularly described. lhe bogie carriages are revolubly connected to the body 1 through the medium of dish shaped bearing pieces 5, which latter are shown constructed with flanges for riveting them in position to the bo( y 1. rThe rcvolu ble connection between the dish shaped bearing pieces 5 and the bogie carriage is inade h v an eyebolt and nut 6 passing through a hole in the bearing piece 5, and a pivot plate 7, which latter is located immediately beneath the bearing piece 5 and is formed with a hole through which said cyebolt (i projects.

8 is a pivot pin passing through holes provided in projections 9 formed on the underside of the pivot plate 7, and passing through the eyebolt 6 and engaging holes formed in the upper portion of the bogie carriage. The latter comprises the main frame or saddle casting consisting of the two side plates l() connected by the transverse rib 11. rlhe side plates 10 carry the two axles 12 upon which are mounted the ilanged wheels 133 which are adapted to traverso the rail l. rEhe frame is also constructed to provide the two downwardly projecting arms 111 which carry the vertical axles 15 (sec Fig. 5) on the lower extrcmites of which are mounted guide wheels 16. These latter' wheels 16 engage the sides of the rail in its lower portion, and serve to maintain the truck in equilibrium, as is clearly illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3.

T he construction of bogie carriage as above described enables it to rotate in a horizontal plane around the eyebolt G and also to swing or tilt in a vertical plane by means of the pivot plate 7 and the pivot pin S. The resulting e'ect of thc latter motion is that as the vehicle is passing over thc rail joint at a change of gradient, thc leading wheel 13 can obtain a bearing on the forward rail before the following wheel leaves the rear rail.

ln Figs. '7 and S l show tho bogie carriage provided with means for preventing the wheels 13 rising above the rail and rotating about the pivot bolt G to such a position as to place the wheels 13 transversely of the rail Il. IThese comprise the guiding strips 17 turned outward at their extremities, -which strips in.

the normal running of the trucli run clear of the sides of the rail il, sec Fig. S. ln tho event of any tendency of the wheels 13 and bogie carriage to twist too far about the pvot bolt 6, then the strips 17 will come into transverse section as shown in Figs. 1 to 3 contact with or engage the sides of the rail al,

l l, l)

and sliding along it so preventv the further twisting ofthe carriage and wheels 13 and as a consequence maintain them in correct running position on the rail. Should the wheels 13 tend to ride up on the rail 4'on their ilanges, the strips 17 contact with the sides of the rail and so prevent the flanges rising to the top of the rail. `The effect is to cause the wheels 13 to slip back into position again on the top o1 the rail and not to leave the track. The strips 17 are shown ixed by rivets or bolts 18 in a slot or groove 19 formed inthe inside ofthe side lates 10, or in downward extensions 20 of t e transverse rib 11 connecting the side plates. The strips 17 may be renewed from time to time as required. It will also be understood that the downward extensions 20 carrying the guide strips 17 also operate to prevent the wheels 13 riding up on to the rail. V

The trucks are preferably equipped with a brake or brakes which may be conveniently attached to one of the bogie carriages as shown in Figs. 4 and 6. In the particular construction of brake illustrated 21 are two links or arms iixed on the axle 12 of one of the wheels 13. These links or arms 21 carry a spindle 22 and mounted on the s indle be-Y tween the links is a pair of brake locks 23, 24 which are shaped to iit the head or top of the railV 4. For the purpose of drawing the brake blocks 23, 24 together to grip the rail 4, the s indle 22 passes loosely through a hole in t e block 23 and is screwed throu h the other block 24, so that when the spin e 22 is rotated the blocks are drawn together. The spindle 22 is provided with a handle 25 at one extremity and at the other carries a spring washer 26 or its equivalent placed between the head of the spindle 22 and the arm 21 in order to keep a steady pressure on the rail 4 when the truck is moving down an incline, so as to insure the lowering of the loaded vehicle at a substantially uniform safe rate of speed. It will be apparent that any other convenient form of brake may be employed arranged veither to act upon the wheels 13 or the rail 4, in any ordinary manner, as may be preferred.

In Fig. 11 the truck or vehicle is shown equipped with a buffer 26 anda bridle or drawbar 27 for hauling. `The buffer 26 is a suitably shaped piece or block of wood fitted to the end of the body 1 of the truck and bedding against the end plate 2. It is held in position on the end of the truck and protected by a strip or band 28, which may be either a continuation of the body 1 as shown, or of the end plate 2, or a separate piece riveted or otherwise suitably fastened either to the body or end plate. The bridle- 27 which serves for making the connection between the hauling rope and truck, may consist oi the metal bar shaped as shown and riveted at'its extremities to the ends of the Vsides of the body, said ends being bent inward as shown to provide a double thickness oi the metal to which the bridle is iixed.

In the modiiication illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13, which is applicable more particularly for a truck designed for a train of vehicles or heavier loads, the bridle 27 is shown in the iorm of an endless bar running completely around the truck and secured along the longitudinal edges by bending them completely around the bar. At the ends a block 29 oi wood or other suitable material is arranged between the end plate 2 and the end of the bridle-27 so as to transmit part of the thrust on to the end plate. 30 represents a space formed between the block 29 and the end oi' the yoke 27 'for making the connection with the hauling rope. The buffer block 26 may be fixed next the end plate 2 in the manner described in connection with Fig. 11 and the two blocks 26,`29 be bolted or otherwise connected. 1i preferred the end strips or bands 28 may be -made suiciently strong to serve as the buffers without the wooden blocks 26, in any case however it is necessary that said strips or bands 28 or the buffers 26 shall project sufficiently i'ar forward to prevent damage to the bridles 27. Obviously other means may be provided for making the connection between the vehicle and the hauling rope.

In Fig. 9 I illustrate one arrangement for discharging the trucks of the construction previously described. This arrangement or tippler is also shown in conjunction with the general arrangement illustrated in Fig. 41. lt comprises a suitable length of rail 4 riveted or otherwise suitably xed to two rings 31 located at or in proximity to the ends of the rail 4. The rings 31 are revolubly supported upon rollers 32. To increase the rigidity of' the tippler, the rings 31, as shown in Fig. 41, are connected by a suitable number of bars 33. To the vertical sides of the rail 4 are riveted or otherwise suitably iixed check strips 34. These strips 34, as will be seen on reference to Fig. 9, engage the flanges of the guide wheels 16 when the truck is inverted and so revent the latter leaving the rail. 35, in `ig. 9, represents an ordinary jockey or rope grip in place oi the bridle 27, for making the connection between the truck and the hauling rope.

1n Fig.` 10 l illustrate a modiiied arrangement for discharging the trucks. In this construction the length of the rail 4 on to which the truck is runto be inverted is supported at or in proximity to its extremities by pivots or hinged joints 36. The rail is provided with the check strips 34 for engagin guiding wheels 16, and a balance weig t 37 is iixed to the rail 4 so that after the loaded truck has been discharged it returns the em ty truckand rail to the vertical position.

n certain circumstances, as for example the in stopes Where the trucks are used only tor may be used 'lor maintaining the sides 32) transporting the broken ore down 'from the Working face and discharging it into the stope boxes, it may be 'found more convenient to dispense with the automatic discharging arrangements just described and to construct the truck on the principle of a seltdischarging truck as illustrated in 1liigs. 31, 34 and 35. ln the construction shown in these figures, 38 is an inverted V or substantially V shaped girder which constitutes the bottom and is carried upon two of the bogie carriagessee Figs. 4 to The partitions or division plates 3 and end plates 2 ar bolted or riveted to the girder 3S and so act as stiti'eners lor the body. The sides 89, which as shown in Fig. 31, are adapted to swing outward, are hinged along their upper edges on va rod 4G carried by perforated lugs or projections 4l provided on the upper edges of the partitions 3 and end plates 2. rlhe upper edges of the sides SQ are bent around the rods 4G between the aforesaid projections 41 and are riveted at 42^see 31. The bottom of the truck being inclined from the center to the sides, when the sides 39 are opened the contents of the truck are discharged.

The dish shaped bearing pieces 5 connecting the bogie carriages with the body are fashioned with suitable lianges, as in 4 to 5, for riveting theni to the girder` In Figs. 36, 37 and 38,1 illustrate means designed for maintaining the hinged sides 39 in their closed position and for automatically releasing the sides to discharge the contents of the truck at any predetermined point. ln this construction brackets or clips 43 are riveted at or in proximity to the bottoni edges of the sides 39. These clips 43 support a bar 44 Which is adapted to be-inoved longitudinally et the sides within certain limits Yin either direction. ihe sliding bar 44 is constructed with projections 45. To the partitions or division plates 3 and end plates 2 are riveted pieces 46 which when the sides 3Q are closed7 project through holes formed in the sides. In the ends et the pieces 46 are formed slots With which the projections on the sliding bars 44 engage to lock the sides 39. To each et the sides 39 is piyoted depending arin or lever 47 and to the sliding bar 44 is iixed a roller 48 which is adapted to be engaged by the arm 47. 49 is a stop Which may be fastened to one or the sleepers or otherwise as may be preferred and at any desired point, which stop 49 is adapted to engage the arm or lever 47 to cause the latter to engage the roller 48 and so move the sliding bar 44 longitudinally el" the side to cause the projections 45 to disengage the slots in the pieces 46. ,VVhenhthisis accomplished the contents of the truck move the sides 39 out* Ward and are thereby discharged.

It desired means such as a spring or springs open so es to allow them to run clear et any mineral or ore nt the sides ot the vehicle, and which might prevent the closing ot the sides after discl erging.

lilith the object of niiniinining the weight o'lt the tract; und reducing the cost of manufacture end also to reduce the labor necessary -for removing the rails lroni 'place to place l preleri )ly provide ineens 4for supporting eech lei e h et rail at or in proximity to each extrennty only. it is requisite that suoli supports or sleepers provide tor the 'fastening oli one length el' rail to the next in such manner as to prevent mutual longitinliiml displacement; to secure ea hlength o'lroil to the rail support; to keep the ral in a vertical position independently ol the angle :tt which the sleeper' rests upon the grournl; to provide such joints between successive lengths et rail as to allow each len i i to be moved up or down in a vertical piane so that thiI :ingle oi inclination between any two adjacent lengths may be altered in order that the ruil may adjust itself to the varying inclination of the floor; and to provide that each length ol' rail may be capable oll being bent in a horizontal plane either' to right or lef t to allow ol' the rails following any desired curve without permanent set. lo meet these ditlerent requirements the rails, supports and sleepers are constructed and arranged as will be described.

ln i to 3, and drawn to :in enlarged scale in Figs. 2 and 24 l illustrate a rail -l which, being inexjjiensive to innnufacture, is the preferred 'torni olI rail. it is manufactured in suitable lengths troni sheet steel or othe suitable metal ot the nece try width. r[he sheet is bent to torni the two vertical sides 50 and the top or tread 5l ot the rail. rthe sides are maintained parallel by the eniploynient el tubular or other suitable distance pieces 52 through which pass the rivets 53. ln pince ofthe distance pieces 52 and in order to make a stiller rail, the sides 5t) ol the rail may as shown inV Figs. 25 and 26, be bent inward at the bottoni to torni the llanges connected by the rivets 55, or, :is shown in Figs. 27 and 2S, the one side ot the fail may be nent inward at the bottoni to torni an internal tlange 5G and the other side be bent inward at the bottoni to torni the external or overlapping flange 57 in the 'torni ot a lap joint, connected by the rivets 5S. vlt will be apparent that in rolling plates lor the runnin facture of these rails it `vill be possible to make that portion which liorins the tread 5l thicker (es shown in Fig. 2) than those portions which form the sides and thus provide for the wearing away ot the tread. Further, it will be evident that the parts which torni the vertical sides of the rails may be rolled with an external projecting ridge at each side, at or in proximity to the bottom7 beheath which the guiding Wheels 16 ofthe piece 59 of wood or other suitable material, 5

all riveted together as at 69. The top or tread oi the rail may consist of a steel bar 61 resting on the filling piece 59 between the upper ends oi the side plates 50, the latter` serving to keep it in place laterally. The bar 61 forming the tread is fastened to the wood lining or iilling piece 59 by means oi' counter-sunk headed screws 62 screwed into the wood, or by means oiVl countersunk headed eyebolts 63, which latter 1nay,` as shown in Fig. 14, beheld in position by the rivets 64 which serve for 'fastening together the side plates and lining 59. Ii desired to obtain greater flexibility in the rail a steel wire or other suitable rope might be used in place of the bar 61 to form the tread, or the tread might consist of a number of thin vertical strips. In connection with Fig. 17 I illustrate an alternative mode of securing the bar 61 which constitutes the tread of the rail, in which said bar 61 is beveled at the sides and the upper edges oi" the side plates 5() are beaded or bentinward to retain the bar 61 in position between them.

In the construction oi' the rail illustrated in connection with Fig. 17 and also in Figs. 19 and 20, a strip 64 of steel or other suitable metal is located in a recess at each side of the rail between the side plates 50 and the wood lining 59. Upon these strips 64 the bar or tread 61 is bedded. The strips 64 are supported by the rivets which secure them to the side plates 50 and wood lining 59. i

As shown in connection with F igs. 14 and 16 joints between consecutiye lengths ol' rail are made by means ol' iish plates 65 which are arranged on the inside oi' the side plates 50 oi' the rail (see Fig. 14) the wood lining 59 being out away or recessed at the joint to receive them, 66 representing bolts passing through the side plates 50, iish plates and wood lining 59 and bolting them together. By this construction the sides 56 ol' the rail on the outside are maintained parallel or of uniform width, thereby providing a continuous flat surface or rolling path for the guide wheels 16 ol the bogie. All rivets and bolts passing through the sides'oi the rails are arranged above and below the path oi the wheels 16 so as to provide a clear unobstructed track therefor.

In Figs. 17 and 18 I illustrate a form ol sleeper and support i'or therail suitable i'or use in narrow stopes and for the construction of rail `described in connection with Figs. 14 to 16 and 19 and 20. The sleeper 67 consists ol' a suitable short length oi' channel iron to which is riveted or otherwise suitably fixed one or more of the pieces 68, 69, 70, which constitute the rail supports or carriers. The sleeper 67 is shown provided with three ol' such horns or rail carriers riveted on to the to ol' the sleeper. The horns 68, 69, 70, whic may be made of iron or steel are bent to the re uisite sha e so as to assume the desired angles when ixed to the sleeper. rIhe horns 68, 69, are shown fashioned out oione strip of metal of a thickness approximately equal to half the thickness of the wood iilling 59. The other support 70 is shown built up or composed of two pieces riveted together as at 71 by one or more countersunk rivets. It will be a parent that all three horns 68, 69, 7 0 might lie built up similar to the horn 70, or be fashioned out oi' one piece of material like the horns 68, 69, the parts being suitably riveted together and to the sleeper 67. The object in providing the sleeper 67 with the three horns as shown is to obviate or reduce to a minimum the labor involved in packing up or raising one end or other of the sleeper in order to make thel horn or rail carrier truly vertical. This may be ex lained by taking as an ex ample a stope ibping at van angle of say thirty degrees. n such a stope in order to support the rails vertically while the rail is moved into positions oi'l varying inclination it would be necessary either to pack up the sleeper at one end or to make rovision -for adjusting the supporting horn 'or the rail il one only were provided. Assuming that the horn 69 is vertical and the horn 70 iixed at an angle oi' fifteen degrees from the vertical and the third horn 68 fixed at an angle oi' thirty degrees from the vertical, this would make a maximum oi' seven and a halfl degrees to be Vcompensatedim by packing up the sleeper 67. When the sleeper 67 1s equipped with a number ofthe horns they must be so dis osed that when any one is being used as tie support i'or the rail 4 the guide wheels 16 on the bogie will clear the other horns.

In Fig. 19 the rail is shown arranged in position on the supporting horn 70 of the sleeper 67 At the points where the sleepers are placed a portion of the wood lining 59 is cut away or omitted, as at 7 2, so as to leave a space for the horn. Arranged as shown the weight of the rail 4 and the vehicles traversing the rail, is carried by the horn 69v through the medium of the strips 64 which rest directly upon it.

Instead of supporting the rail through the strips 64 it may be supported by means of a suitable number of bolts 73 passing through the rail and horn as shown in Fig. 19. The holes for one or more ofthe bolts 7 3 are preferably `provided in any case so that one or more bolts may be inserted to Vconnect the railsV and sleepers while they are being moved.

'In Figs. l and 2 the rail 4 is shown supported along its bottom edges which rest upon the top of the sleeper 67, the horn 7 Ll not extending` upward sui'l'lciently far to engage the top or tread 5l of the rail, but merely acting to support the rail laterally. In these figures the horn 7 4 is shown passing through a slot in the top of the sleeper 67 and .bent outward beneath it to form flanges 7 5 vfor riveting` it to the sleeper.

ln Figs. 2l and 22 l illustrate another means for adjusting the horns or rail carrier 76 to maintain the latter vertical. in this construction a bolt 77 is eni'goloyed which passes through he hangs-s of the sleeper 67, which as shown may be inverted, or have brackets lixed to the sides to carry the bolt 77. This bolt 77 forms a pivot about which the lower end of the horn 7e may be. moved to vary its inclination to the plane of the sleeper v67. ltiveted or otherwise suitably Vi'iXed to the flanges or brackets carrying' the i bolt 77 are two side plates 7S of semi-circular or approximately semi-circular shape. n each of these plates 78 is formed a slot 8O radial to the .center of the holt 77. '79 is another bolt which passes through the horn. 76 and at its eiitremities projects through the radial slots 8O in 'the side plates 78. By looseningI the nut screwed on one extremity of the bolt 7 9 the horn 7 6 can be moved about the pivot bolt 77 into any desired position in relation to the sleeper 67 to maintain the rail vertical. rlhe tightening` of the nut clamps the horn 7G in its adjusted. posie tion.

In Figs. 3l to 33 show another means for adjusting the horn Sl in relation to the sleeper 67, which construction obviatcs the necessity for the use of nuts and Spanner-s. ,in this construction the lower ends of the horn 81 are turned outward in opposite directions in the 'form of ilanges 82, 83, which constitute thebase. The sleeper G7, as in the last preceding` construction, may be inverted or be formed with or have fixed to it 84, 85. The end of the flange 82 of the rail carrier is curved and projects underneathI the bolt move.

with a slot. 86 is a bar which is curved at its lower extremity and fits under the other bolt 85 about which it may move. This bar 86 projects up through the slot in the iiange 83 and has formed through it a plurality of holes, `see 33. 87 is a pin which is .adapted to be passed through any one of the .holes in .the bar 85 to support the horn or carrier '81 lin any desired position. rhis pin around which it may hinge or he other flange S8 is constructed i l l over on the outside so as to pei-manentl\'v brackets tor carrying` two transverse bolts chain or otherwise with the sleeper (37 to prevent it being lost or misplaced.

ln connection with Figs. 23 and Zt .l show one inode of securing the ends oi rails -Lt on the rail carrier or horn S8. The ends oll the rails lrest upon the top of the horn SS and through the side plates 50 of the rails are formed holes and in the horn SS are formed holes adapted to be brought into coincidence therewith. 89 are nuts and bolts passing' through the holes aforementioned for bolting the rails l to the horn S8. lrvith this construction sullicient play is allowed at the joints to permit oi the rails being' rotated about the bolts Si) in a vertical plane. l l the sides 50 oi the rail i are made ol sulhciently thin material it is found in practice that this provides sullcient flexibility in the joint to allow of the rails being placed :it a considerable angle to one another in. :i hori-- Zontal plane. ln this case the rails can be :orted by resting; on top ol the horn Srl, or they may be supported by resting on the top of the belts 89.

in the modification illustrated in Figs. 25 and 2G, the contiguous extremities of the rails 4 are connected by latches or pivoted hooks Qt). 91 is a pin 'lixed between thc sides 5t) of one length et the rail fl which at its extremities l'orins a pivot about which the hooks or latches Q() may swing. (in the end or the other length oi rail is another pin 92 secured in a similar manner between the sides. The ends oi" this pin 32 forni studs or projections adapted to he enga'rred by the hooked extremities oi the latches 9i). The horn 8S projects up between the pins Sil, Si! and the tread 5l ot the rail 4 on the inside rests upon it. iin advantage ol this construction is that there are no loose parts to be misplaced as the parts are all pei-manenthv iixed to the rails.

ln the further modification illustrated in Figs. 27 and 2S the rail carrier or horn S8 is provided at the top with two vertical slots Uil, and fixed between the sides olA the rail are pins Qll which are adapted to drop into the slots in the carrier 88 to secure the rails -l thereto. rThe ends of the pins J4 are riveted attach them to the rails Ll. With this construction the rail 4l may be carried b v the pins 94 or the top or tread 5l ol the rail may rest upon the top of the horn 8S.

The di'lierent constructions are designed so that they oiier no impediment or obstruction in the path or track of the guide wheels ol'l the hogie at the sides ot the rail.

ln connection with Fig. 1S) l illustrate a rlexible joint which may be conveniently employed between the lengths ol' rail 4- in cases where abrupt changes occur in the ins clination oi the ground upon which the track is laid. [it the end of one length of' rail the 87 is referabl* connected b-f means of a fish Jlate 95 is riveted or bolted as at 96 to the inside of the side plates 50. The endof the fish plate 95 is made semi-circular as shown. The side plates 50 of the adjoining length of rail are also made semi-circular and between them projects the semi-circular end of the fish plate 95, a bolt 97, which forms the pivot -or hinge, joining these parts. This form of joint allows the rails 4 to be placed at the maximum inclination, either in an upward or downward direction, which the truck is capable of traversing.

In the case of permanent or semi-permanent joints, in place of the construction described in connection with Fig. 19, the fish plates (see Fig. 13) may, as illustrated in Figs. 29 and 30 be lengthened and suitably curved. j

In Figs. 39 and 40 I illustrate an arrangement of a two-way switch whereby trucks may pass from either of the two lines on to the single line. It is necessary where two or more tracks converge into one, to provide means for preventing the trucks overrunning the ends of the rail, so that all rail ends shall remain closed and only be opened by the operation of bringing the switch-rail into position. The arrangement illustrated is designed to accomplish this. In the drawings 98 99, are the two fixed converging rails and` 100 is the switch-rail pivoted or hinged from a fixed joint'on the single line, and adapted to be brought into position to divert `the trucks from either ofthe converging lines 98, 99, on to the single line, or vice versa. j each of the converging rails 98, 99 I provide a hinged or pivoted arm 101. This latter consists of the bifurcated piece shown pivotally connected to the sleeper 102 carrying the converging rails, by means of the two hinge bolts 103, which are fixed at either side of and below the rail. The swinging arm 101 in proximity to its forward end is constructed with the two vertical projections 104, one at either side of the rail. Beyond the projections 104 the arm 101 is constructed with two parallel projections 105, which form between them a slot or groove 106 adapted to engage the switch-rail 100 and to maintain it in correct position in relation to either of the iixed rails 98, 99. 107 are two rearward extensions of the bifurcated portion of the hinged arm 101, which extensions 107 are shown at their rear extremities joined and formed in one piece with a weight 108. This weight 108 serves to maintain the pivoted arm 101 in the position in which it is shown in dotted lines in Fig. 39. When in this position the vertical projections 104 formed on the arm 101 assume such a position that they Vare engaged by the guide wheels 16 of the truck and serve as stops therefor, and so prevent, the truck leaving the rail. When the switch-rail 100 isi'n position in the slot 106 formed between the two' parallel projections 105 it is thereby locked For in correctposition in relation to the xed rail to divert the trucks on to the single line and at the same time the pivoted arm 101 is placed in such a position that the guide wheels 16 of the trucks do not contact with the stops 104 but pass freely over them. Instead of hinging or pivoting the swinging arms 101 to the sleeper 102 as shown, it will be apparent that they may be hinged to the fixed rails 98, 99, and also that instead of a weight 108 for operating the swinging arm 101, a spring might be employed. The switch-rail 100 is shown supported by a carrier 109 which is adapted to slide on the top of the sleeper 110 to allow the switch-rail 100 to be placed in line with either of the fixed converging rails 98, 99.

To place the switch-rail 100 in line with either of the fixed rails 98, 99, the swinging arm 101 is de ressed against the weight 108 and the switc -rail 100 brought into position above the slot 106 formed bythe arallel projections 105. The arm 101. is t en released and the switch rail 100 engaged by it line track 4 is laid to follow, more or less, the

contour of the working face in the stope 114 and at a suitable distance therefrom. After the rock or mineral has been broken by blasting the empty trucks, of which one is represented at 115, are allowed to run down the line to the desired position or ositions for loading and they are then allIdwed to gravitateto the bottom or foot of the stope, at which'point the tippler (when one is employed) is located. The tippler is shown arranged on a sheet 116 of metal down which the ore or mineral slides, or is shoveled, to the sto e box 111. As previously stated the sing e line 4 may be continued down into and along the drive or level `113 and the loaded trucks 115 be allowed to gravitate or be propelled to the shaft, and the trucks 112 ordinarily employed for conveying the ore from the stope box 111 to the shaft, be dispensedwith. The trucks 115 employed inthe stope 114 may be raised and lowered in the stope by means of a steel wire or other suitable rope 117 connected to one or more of the trucks, and trucks traversing different rails in the same stope be arranged to balance one another, the ropes connecting them being run around suitably disposed guide pulleys; that is to say the loaded truck or trucks in running down the stope to the stope box 111 would draw up an empty truck or trucks on another track. rThe raising and lowering of the trucks in the stope might alternatively be elllected through the medium ot the rope 117 by means of a winch or other suitable means located at the top ot the stope or in any other suitable position. As the working tace is advanced by the displacement of the rock or mineral the line oi track l is moved with it either by lifting it in sections or pinching it along bodily.

vWhen the trucks 115 are run from the stope direct to the shait the rock or mineral is emptied into the shaft bin and means are preferably provided tor raising the empty trucks to the level at the top oi' the stope. This might conveniently be eilected by means of a suitable winch located at or near the shaft.

What l claim as my invention and desire to protect by Letters Patent is zl. ln apparatus of the nature specified, a vehicle, a bogie upon which said vehicle is mounted, said bogie being adapted to traverse a single rail and having swivel con nection with the vehicle so that it may move in both horizontal and vertical directions.

2. ln apparatus ot the nature specified, a vehicle comprising a body portion and bogies adapted to traverse a single rail, the bogies being constructed so that they can swivel in both a horizontal and vertical plane.

3. ln apparatus of the nature specified, in combination, a vehicle body, dish shaped bearing pieces secured to the bottom ot the body and forming recesses on the underside, an eyebolt revolubly carried by each bearing piece, a pivot plate revolubly mounted on each eyebolt, a bogie carriage for each bearin piece constructed in its upper portion with holes and a pivot pin for each carriage engaging the holes in the upper portion thereof and engaging holes in the pivot plate and eyebolt.

4, ln apparatus of the nature specified, in combination, a vehicle body, dish shaped bearing pieces secured to the bottom oi" the body and forming recesses on the un lerside,

an eyebolt revolubly carried by each bearingl piece and a pivot plate revolubly mounted on each eyebolt and formed with aerforated projections on the underside, a ogie carriage for each bearing piece comprising a main frame consisting ot two side plates connected by a transverse rib and with two downwardly projecting arms, anaxle carried between the side plates at each side of said transverse rib, wheels on each of said axles, a vertical axle carried by each arm, and guide wheels on said axles below the arms.

5. In apparatus oi the nature speciiied, in combination, a vehicle body, dish shaped bearing pieces secured to the bottom ot the body and lorining rece ses on the underside, an eyebolt revolubly carried by cach bearing piece and a pivot plate revolubly mounted on each eyebolt and formed with perforated. projections on the undcrside a bogie carriage for each bearing picco comprising a main frame consisting ot two side plates connected by a transverse rib and 'ith two downwardly projecting arms, an axle carried between the side plates at each side ol' said transverse rib, wheels on each of said axles, a vertical axle carried by each arm, guide wheels on said axles below the arms, two linl;s 'lixed on one of the axles oi the bogic carriages, a spindle carried by the linlis, a pair ot brake blocks carried by the spindle and 1n ians for rotating the spindle to draw the blocls together to apply the brake.

G. ln apparatus oi the .nature specilicd, a vehicle consisting el a long, narrow, shallow body, divided into a plurality ot coinpartnients by transverse division plates, and having dien shaped bearing pieces secured to the bottom of the body and torniing recesses on the underside, an eyebolt revolubly carried. by each bearing piece, a pivot plate revolubly mounted on each eyebolt, a bogie carriage tor each bearing piece constructed in its upper portion with holes, a pivot pin for each carriage engaging the holes in the upper portion thereof and en gaging holes in the pivot plate and eyebolt, for providing swivel connection in both a horizontal and vertical direction between. the truck body and bogie.

7. ln apparatus of the nature specified, the combination with a vehicle comprising a body and bogies adapted to traverse a single rail track, the bogics providing swivel connection with. the body in both a horizontal and vertical direction, ot guiding strips on the trames oi the bogie carriages for the purpose set forth.

S. ln apparatus of the nature specilied, the combination with a vehicle comprising a body nd bogies adapted to traverse a single line track, the bogies providingr swivel connection with the body in both a horizontal and vertical direction, each oi' the side plates of the bogies on the inside having grooves, and guiding strips located and secured in said grooves, said strips being turned outward at their extremities for the purpose set forth.

9. ln apparatus of the nature spccilicd, a vehicle consisting ot a long, narrow, shallow body, transverse division plates dividing seid body into a plurality ot compartments, bogie carriages upon which said vehicle body is carried, the bogics being constructed to provide swivel connection in a horizontal and vertical direction between said body and bogies, bridles for connecting the vehicle to the hauling rope and strips zi.- ...--ii i fixed to the ends of the vehicle and serving as buffers therefor and as a protection for the bridles.

10. In apparatus of the nature specified, a vehicle consisting of a long, narrow, shallow body, transverse division plates dividing said body into a plurality of compartments and bogie carriages upon which said vehicle body is carried, the bogies'bcing con" structed to provide swivel connection in a horizontal and vertical direction between said body and bogies, a buifer for each end of the body of the vehicle comprising a suitably shaped block of wood fitted to and bedded against the end plates, a protecting` and securing strip for `said block, and a bridle consisting of a curved bar riveted at its extremities to the ends of the sides of the vehicle body, as and for the purpose set forth. Y

11. In apparatus of the nature specified, a vehicle consisting of a long, narrow, shallow body, transverse division plates dividing said body into a plurality of compartments, and bogie carriages upon which said vehicle body is carried, the bogies being constructed to provide swivel connection in a horizontal and vertical direction between said body and bogies, a bridle for the vehicle comprising an endless bar running completely around the vehicle and secured thereto by bending the longitudinal upper edges of the vehicle body completely around said bar, and a block located at each end of the vehicle between the end plates and the inside of the ends of the bridle to transmit part of the thrust to theend plates, each of the blocks being of such a shape as to provide a space between them and the ends of the bridle for making connection with the hauling rope.

12. 1n apparatus of the nature speciiied, a vehicle consisting of a long, narrow, shallow body, transverse division plates dividing said body into a plurality of compartments and bogie carriages upon which said vehicle body is carried, the bogies being constructed to provide swivel connection in a horizontal and vertical direction between said body and bogies, a bridle for the vehicle comprising an endless bar running completely around the "vehicle and secured thereto by bending the longitudinal upper edges of the vehicle body completely around said bar, a block located at each end of the vehicle between the end platesand the inside of the ends of the bridle to transmit part of the thrust to the end plates, each of the blocks being Aof such a shape as to provide a s ace between them and the ends of the bri le for making connection with the hauling rope, and a buffer for each end of the body of the vehicle comprising a suitably shaped block of wood fitted to and bedded against the end plates, and a protecting and securing strip for said blocks.

13. In apparatus of the nature specified, a truck consisting of a long, narrow, shallow body of substantially W transverse section, transverse division plates dividing said body into a plurality of compartments, bogie carriages upon which said truck body is supported, the bogies having swivel connection in both horizontal and vertical directions about their point of attachment to the body. vi4. 1n apparatus of the nature specified, a truck consisting of a long, narrow, shallow body, built up of an inverted V or substantially V girder which constitutes the bottom, transverse division plates, and end plates dividing said body into a plurality of compartments, and sides hinged along their upper edges to the transverse partitions and end plates and adapted to swing outward to discharge the contents of the truck, and bogie carriages on which the truck body is carried, said bogies being constructed to allow of swivel connection in both a horizontal and vertical direction between the body and vbogies, as set forth.

15. In apparatus of the nature specified, a truck consisting of a long, narrow, shallow body built up of an inverted V or substantially V girder which'constitutes the bottom, transverse division plates and end plates dividing said body into a plurality of compartments, lperforated lugs iixed to the transverse division plates and end plates, a rod for each side of the truck body carried by said perforated lugs, and sides hinged along their upper edges on the aforesaid rods and adapted to swing outward to discharge the contents of the truck, and bogie carriages on which the truck body is carried, said bogies being constructed to allow of swivel connection in both a horizontal and vertical direction between the body and bogies, as set forth. Y

16. 1n apparatusof the nature specified, a truck consisting of a long, narrow, shallow body, built up of an inverted V or substantially V girder which constitutes the bottom, transverse division plates and end plates dividing said body into a plurality of compartments, and sides hinged along their upper edges to the transverse partitions and end plates and adapted to swmg outward to discharge the contents of the truck, means for automatically releasing the sides to discharge the contents of the truck, said means conirising brackets riveted to the hinged side, a -bar slidably supported in said brackets, said bar being rovided with projections, pieces riveted to lille division plates and end plates, which pieces project through holes in the hinged side, said pieces being formed with slots engaging the projections on the bar, a depending arm pivoted to the side and a roller fixed to the bar adapted to be engaged by. said arm, a fixed stop adapted to engage the aforesaid arm to move the latter into engagement With the roller and to slide the bar longitudinally of the side to cause the projections to disengage the slots in the aforesaid pieces, and bogie carriages on which the truck body is carried, said bogies being constructed to allov.T of swivel connection in both a horizontal and a vertical direction between the body and bogies, as set forth.

17. In apparatus of the nature specified, a single line track of i rails, sup aorts for the rails arranged in proximity to t ieir extremities only, and serving for supporting the contiguous ends of successive lengths of rail, means for connecting the lengths of rail throughY the medium of said supports, said means permitting the rails to adjust themselves to the gradient of the surface on which they are laid and also if required to a lateral change of direction, as set forth.

18. In apparatus of the nature specified, a single line track consisting of rails comprising a sheet of metal bent to form two parallel and vertical sides and a tread joining the sides, and means consisting of tubular or other distance pieces located between the sides, and rivets passing through said tubular distance pieces and riveted to the sides for maintaining the latter parallel, as set forth.

19. In apparatus of the nature specified, a single line track consisting of rails com )rising a sheet of metal bent to form two para lel and vertical sides and a tread joining the sides, and in which one side of the rail is bent inward at the bottom to forni an internal flange and the other bent inward at the bottom to forni an external and overlapping iiange, an d rivets connecting said flanges as set forth.

20. In apparatus of the nature specified, a single line track consisting of rails com rising a sheet of metal bent to form two parallgel and vertical sides and a tread joining the sides, and in which the parts which forni the sides are provided with external projecting ridges, as and for the purpose set forth.

21. In apparatus of the nature specified, in combination, a truck body, bogies adapted to traverse a single line track, the boOies being constructed so that thejT can swive about the body in both a horizontal and vertical plane, the bogies being provided with guide wheels, a single line track consisting of rails grassi each comprising a sheet of' metal bent to forni two parallel and verti'al sides and in 'which the parts which forni the sides are provided with external projecting ridges forining guide and check strips for the wheels, as set forth.

22. In apparatus of the nature specified, in combination, a single line track consisting of rails, each rail comprising a nietal plate bent to forni two parallel and vertical sides and a tread joining the sides at the top, the sides being also connected at the bottoni, a rail carrier consisting of a sleeper, and a horn fixed thereto, which lati er is adapted to project between the parallel sides of the rail so that the lower edges of the latter rest upon the top of the sleeper, as and for the purpose set lforth.

23. In apparatus of the nature sjacificd, a single line track consisting of rails comprisingr a sheet of metal bent to forni two parallel and vertical sides and a tread joining the sides, and means for flexibly connecting the ends of successive lengths of rail when abrupt changes occur in the inclination of the ground upon which the track is laid, said flexible means consisting of a fish plate fixed bctween the side plates at the end of one length of rail the outer end of said fish plate being semi-circular, and the side plates at the end of the adjoining length of rail being semi-circular to receive the semi-circular end of' thc fish plate, and a bolt which passes through the semi-circular ends of the side plates and semi-circular end of the fish plate and :forms a hinge, as and for the purpose set forth.

24.. In apparatus of the nature specified, a single line track consisting of rails comprising two vertical. and parallel side plates and a. tread of incans for making permanent or semi-permanent joints between the contigiu ous extremities of successive lengths of rail, comprising a suitably curved fish plaie, the extremities of which project between the side plates of the rails, the extremities of the fish plates and side plates being formed with eoincident holes for connecting thein, as and for the purpose set forth.

In witness whereof I have hereunto scf in v handl in the presence of two subscrilring n if nesses this 23rd day of January, 1907.

ALFRED EDIVIN DAVIS.

Nit/n esses:

Unas. OVENDALE, R. OVENDALF. 

